The Lacey Act

The Lacey Act prohibits the trade of any wildlife, fish, or plants that have been acquired through unlawful means. It was enacted in 1900, and later amended by the 2008 Farm Bill to expand its protection radius over more distinct classifications of plant products, including wood.

In April 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Lacey Act Primer to better educate the public about all aspects of the act, including its background, purpose, requirements, etc. Please follow the link above to learn more detailed information about this act.

Comments Appreciated

June 30, 2011

“Shippers’ NewsWire” advises WSSA that the US Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments regarding proposed changes to its administration of the Lacey Act. This Act deals with plants/plant products, but has been interpreted as applicable to materials used for packaging, pallets, and other plant-based material ancillary to beverage imports.

If you or your Customs House Broker would like to submit comments, they should be submitted by August 29, 2011.

Lacey Act Declaration Form

As of December 15, 2008, it is against the law to import certain plants and plant products without submitting a Plant and Plant Product Declaration Form. Information pertaining to this declaration can be found in the Lacey Act Primer above. The declaration form, as well as instructions on how to fill it out, can be found here.